Anybody know if this Chatsworth rock formation survived time, construction of the Simi Valley Freeway, rocket testing at Rocketdyne (now Boeing) and development of the Iverson movie ranch into condos? The 1912 photographs (left and right) are in the Online Archive of California, from the papers of Owens Valley aqueduct builder Joseph Barlow Lippincott. They are identified only as "rock...

Some memories and some questions: ♦ "Just an update !! Kiddieland was located on Van Nuys Blvd. between The Moongate Chinese restaurant and the Panorama Bowling Alley." — Thanks, Doug Stephenson ♦ "I am trying to find some old photos of a place that was located in Sun Valley. The name of the place was "CRAZY BURGERS" or just "CRAZYS."...

I have vague memories of enjoying a barbecued beef sandwich here after a LIttle League practice when I was probably eight years old. I'd like to hear a little about this place myself. Don't get me started on how many hours I spent at that Winchell's. I am interested to know if you have any information or pictures of "Big...

Birmingham High School's origins as a World War II Army hospital, and later a hospital for paraplegic veterans, feeds a lot of legends about hidden tunnels and underground facilities. I've yet to discover what the truth is, but I was reminded of the tales by a recent email: Rumor has it that there is a huge 800 bed underground hospital...

Michael Freeman asks: There was a hamburger place at the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Hazeltine Ave. I believe it was spelled “Jacy’s,” but it was pronounced “Cacky’s.” “Cacky" was the owner, he was a friend of my father Ticker Freeman, who was Dinah Shore’s pianist and musical arranger Do you have any information on this place?...

It has been suggested that the 1950s television program that aired from the host's yard in Sherman Oaks—and used the theme from The Thin Man—was the Dude Martin show on Channel 11. Another writer offers some more detail: I read the question regarding a local daily TV show broadcast from a house in the Valley. In the mid 50s I...

Email from Idaho: I am trying to solve a mystery about an antique. I have a piece of wood stamped “The Callaway Corporation, 14719 Lull Street, Van Nuys.” This could be an old piece of wood, not really sure. Do you know who this company was, what they did, who founded the company and when? Sure could use some help....

A reader emails: I wonder if (in the lore and history section) you have ever commented on how many Valley residents must actually be direct descendants of San Fernando himself -- I mean, the king and saint. Ferdinand III had a daughter Eleanor. She was the wife of Edward III of England. When she died, the twelve famous Eleanor Crosses...

Hi there,  Jack “The Enforcer” Whalen was my great uncle, his brother-in-law was my grandfather George Wunderlich. Could you please send me any information you have on him, as I am trying to put together a family album. Thank you.  Kendall Leigh Interesting connection. Sorry, all I know is what's in the book, which is summarized here. Jack Whalen...

Hi,   Can you give me any information on the old 'Wild Goose' restaurant/bar in Sherman Oaks from the 1960's?  Thank you in advance for your help.  Wendy Hainlin Not one I know, but maybe someone will write in....

Hi, Kevin,  I LOVE your book and website. I'm writing a memoir of my Italian-American childhood in the San Fernando Valley (covering the years 1959 up until 1968). My grandfather, John Indrisano, had a long-standing relationship with Mae West, for whom he left my grandmother. My family lived on Bahama Street in Sepulveda (now North Hills, of course). My...

A reader emails" I remember in the mid-to late '50s there was a local afternoon TV show. The host spoke from his yard in Sherman Oaks, and showed movies (stuff from the '40s and '50s). The theme music was The Third Man theme, the original version, played on the zither. Any clues? I've never forgotten the show, always wondered who...

I don't know if you can help me but I am looking for a picture of the Sepulveda Pass in the early 30's or 40's. My mom and I saw it at the La Brea Tar Pits a long time ago and I am trying to get a copy of her for her birthday. Do you have any idea...

Hello,   My name is Anthony. I've lived in the valley my whole life. I recently purchased your book. It's great. I was reading through it and found a sentence under "Castle Peak: A beacon for the ages." It says that something happens on winter solstice at 730 a.m. near Castle Peak. Well I live in Woodland Hills and...

Can you give me any information on the developer/contractor/ architect who built homes in the Valley in the 50's with birdhouse-like features, usually on the attached garages? They have a German/Swiss type cottage style to them. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.  jcarr@utla.net...

On Northridge Elementary School: Hi Kevin-  I recently discovered your book and website, both of which bring back many memories of growing up in the Northridge in the '60s. You have captured on paper much of what I remember of those days, and provided context and background that I may not have known about. Since the early 70s, my family...

Phillip John Gioe writes with an intriguing mystery. First, thank you for your wonderful book, which I discovered only a few days ago, and which has occupied a good part of my time since. It has also helped to reinvigorate my research into a particular road trip taken by John Steinbeck, Ed Ricketts, and Bruce and Jean Ariss in May,...

The image in the Photo Gallery of San Fernando's early baseball team brought this email: I would like to know how to get a photograph copy of the Team. This picture is actually from 1908. My Grandfather Edward D. Lyon is the bat boy. He was 11 years old at the time. He lived in San Fernando all his...

A reader asks: I have an old machine tool that has embossed on the side of its casting, "Grant Milathe Van Nuys." I am trying to find out anything I can about the Grant Company. Have you heard of it?  Thanks  Pete McLaughlin I haven't, but maybe someone will know of it....